Demonstration for Chicago Woodturners
Glenn McMurray — May 11, 2004

The success of a turned piece depends on both art and craft. Whether a simple fruit or coin bowl, or a high end gallery piece, your turning incorporates both your own artistic sense and your craftsmanship, your skills. For example, an open bowl stands out artistically, aesthetically, if it has clean flowing lines and proportions. You can see these from a distance.

A closer inspection of the piece will reveal the makers level of craftsmanship, and this is the topic for tonight’s demonstration—the details that make a nice piece into one of superior quality.

What we’re looking for:
Crisp transitions from one surface to the next
Distinct features that jump out at you without disturbing the line
Features that create shadow

The Skills:
You must be able to control the tool on entry to the cut
You must be able to see the form as you cut
You must be able to finish the cut with precision
You must be able create a finish straight off the tool that requires little sanding
You must be able to sand the detail without disturbing it.

Here's what you'll create:
Bowl rims and feet that show off your skill and add to the beauty of your piece.
Beads, both single and multiple that add special interest to the look and feel of the piece.
V-grooves and V “wings” that supplement the proportions of your piece
Coves, Cavetto's, Scotia's, and Quirk's that add to your repertoire of details

Where you can go from here:
You must be able to determine where to put the details
You must be able to determine when to stop adding details to your piece.
Bring a piece to our next Gallery Review with artistic details that complement the wood and aid the balance and proportions of your piece.

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